actuality

noun

ac·​tu·​al·​i·​ty ˌak-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē 

ˌak-shə-

plural actualities

1

: the quality or state of being actual

2

: something that is actual : fact, reality

possible risks which have been seized upon as actualities

—T. S. Eliot

Phrases

in actuality

: in actual fact

Synonyms

• corporality
• corporeality
• existence
• reality
• subsistence
• thingness

Examples of actuality in a Sentence

The actuality was quite different from the theory.

the actuality of the Abominable Snowman is not taken seriously by scientists

Recent Examples on the Web

In actuality, our cosmic neighborhood is actually a comparatively rare sight. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 16 Apr. 2025

But, in actuality, this is not a concern that you—a reader in 2025—need have, since all internet falsehood was outlawed long ago by the Veracity Resolution of 2135. —Graham Techler, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2025

In actuality, many successful businesses start small with entrepreneurs selling from home or offering services part-time. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025

Gass said that in actuality, the current weather pattern, which began dropping rain into the region on Thursday, is in keeping with how many early spring patterns behave. —Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English actualite "capacity for action, effective power," borrowed from Medieval Latin āctuālitāt-, āctuālitās, from Late Latin āctuālis actual + Latin -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for actuality

• angiography
• laryngoscopy
• ostracod
• predominately
• sensuality
• stochastically
• abc
• absentee
• addressee
• adoptee
• agouti
• allottee